Anchoring for Monster Halibut

"Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes home through an alley.” ~ Author Unknown   By Dave Stark Photo courtesy of the Oak Bay Marine Group. The author of the above quote has obviously never met Dan Campbell. You see, over the past five years Dan has had occasion to sneak the odd monster halibut—some over 200 pounds—past guests and experienced guides in order to get back to the MV Salmon Seeker, a remote, floating fishing resort anchored at Kano Inlet on the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Dan is the resort mechanic for 14 guide boats and one 17-foot aluminum workboat called “Tinny,” which is his office for approximately 100 days every summer. When guide boats are out with guests, Dan takes Tinny and heads out almost 15 kilometres to Hunter Reef where he methodically and passionately targets only one prey: monster halibut. The reason for Dan’s calculated stealth is that the sight of his barn door trophies puts undo pressure on guides to duplicate his catch—a difficult task. In an effort to acknowledge his hunting prowess and provide some levity during the long season, some understanding guides have dubbed him “The Halinator.” I recently had a chance to sit down with Dan to discuss his unique approach to landing large halibut and to hear stories about what it is like to stroll around this remote area with celebrity status. When asked why he loves to hunt large halibut, Dan replied, “I have fished for halibut for over 20 years and am only interested in the hunt for the monsters. They behave differently than the smaller ones and get big for a reason: they are smart. The larger ones become territorial and will lay claim to an area over a reef or a pinnacle. This is where their main food source will be. ‘Chicken’ halibut (under 35 pounds) are more inclined to reside in schools on large flat areas. Big, mature halibut will attack and kill smaller halibut if they trespass in their territory. I have found partially digested small halibut in the stomach of larger ones that I have cleaned.” “You know,” he continued, “I don’t want to come across as this big game killer. These large females have a tremendous capacity to reproduce. I take a lot of photos and underwater video of my catch and usually release them. The few ‘barn doors’ that I do keep are usually caught by one of our crew who has never caught one before. I am so lucky to have this rare opportunity every summer, so I really make an effort to share my knowledge, stories and photos with people. This is one of the few fisheries that is not currently at risk, and I’d like to be a part of keeping it that way.” When I asked Dan to share some of his proven techniques he indicated patience is his friend. “You know, I have never read a book or article on catching halibut. For the past five years I have probably spent 70 days each season targeting these fish. Each day is very similar. I will anchor on a reef in 160 to 180 feet of water and commit at least five hours to that one spot. My anchor rode will be long enough that my bait will be sitting on the downward slope and usually on the downstream side of the reef or pinnacle. I will reset my anchor four or five times if I have to, just to get it right. “You have to be patient and willing to sit on that one spot for several hours, which is where I have an advantage over the guides. Up here, most guests want to keep moving around looking for fish. Large halibut will follow the scent of your bait and it takes time to get it out there. Remember, there is probably only one big halibut in that particular area. If I land a large one in a particular spot, I will probably not go back there for at least three weeks. By this time, another dominant female will probably have laid claim to the area.”>> To finish this story, pick up a copy or subscribe today.

 

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